Friday's Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT qualifying delayed by three hours as organisers issue update on evening contingency possibility
Friday’s Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT qualifying session has been delayed by three hours to allow wet roads around the Mountain Course to dry.
It is the latest setback for the organisers in a week heavily disrupted by adverse weather and serious incidents on the Isle of Man.
On Friday morning, the organisers said there was no intention to utilise a contingency session on Friday evening, but added that this could change in the event of any further disruption to Friday afternoon’s schedule.
It was later confirmed by Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson that the contingency session in the evening would not be implemented.
Qualifying commened on Friday afternoon at approximately 13:30 BST.
It has been a chaotic first week at the 2026 festival.
Thursday evening’s qualifying sessions were cancelled off because of wet weather on the Isle of Man.
An earlier contingency session went ahead in the afternoon as the organisers attempt to make up for lost time after a series of postponements.
Sunday’s first day of the 2026 festival was cut short as conditions began to deteriorate, while Monday evening’s qualifying scheduled was cancelled due to rain showers.
On Tuesday, the evening session was abandoned after a few laps following a fatal accident that claimed the life of Swiss rider Mauro Poncini, resulting in a red flag. The session did not recommence because of limited remaining time and fading light.
A contingency session took place on Wednesday afternoon, but the evening programme was cancelled with heavy rain forecast.